Equality and Justice

“The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality”, said leading American social activist, Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Policymakers around the world seek to correct natural and historical inequalities that exist between the different sections of society. Philosophers from time immemorial have explored the relationship between equality and justice. Yet today, these ideals remain unfulfilled in most parts of the world, even in many advanced economies.

In this segment, participants identify disparities in their immediate contexts and trace the origins of these disparities to historical events and cultural practices. Facilitators engage participants in a discussion to explore how individual aspirations and societal goals can be reconciled. Theories of justice are explored and different approaches used by policymakers to correct inequalities are discussed.